Ultrastructure of PkC(II/III)-immunopositive structures in rat primary visual cortex.
In the primary visual cortex of adult rats the cellular and subcellular distribution of protein kinase C isozymes II and III (PkCII/III) was examined by immunohistochemical methods with a monoclonal antibody against PkCII/III. Strong PkC(II/III)-immunoreactivity was found in neurons and astrocytes. Immunopositive neurons exhibited morphological features characteristic for both pyramidal and non-pyramidal cells. They were distributed in layers II through VI but were concentrated in layers II/III. At the electron microscopic level immunoprecipitate was found predominantly in distinct regions of the somata, except the nuclei, and only a few labeled dendrites and axons were seen. Two different patterns of cytoplasmic immunoreactivity could be distinguished. In most neurons, PkC(II/III)-staining was confined to cytoplasmic spots associated with the Golgi complex, while a few neurons exhibited additional labeling in the vicinity of the cell membrane. Moreover, PkC(II/III)-immunoreactivity was present in numerous astroglial processes and in the perikaryal cytoplasm of a subpopulation of astrocytes. The present data provide morphological indications for specific functions of PkC isozymes II and III in neurons as well as in astrocytes.
Stichel
C C
CC
Anatomical Institute, University of Köln, Federal Republic of Germany.
Singer
W
W
Zilles
K
K
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000032:analysis*; D016253:Microscopy, Immunoelectron / Q000379:methods; D009474:Neurons / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011493:Protein Kinase C / Q000032:analysis*; D011712:Pyramidal Tracts / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007527:Isoenzymes; D011493:Protein Kinase C